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Impressive Growth in Cyprus Tourism Revenue: €223.3m in Q1 2024, Surging 11.7% YoY

Revenue from tourism reached an estimated €223.3m in January–March 2024, rising 11.7% compared to €200m in the first quarter of 2023, Cystat said.

Based on the results of its Passengers Survey, in March, revenue from tourism reached €113m, compared to €97.8m in the corresponding month of 2023, recording an increase of 15.5%.

The average expenditure per person was €558.88 in March 2024 compared to €530.72 in March 2023 (up 5.3%).

Tourists from the United Kingdom, again Cyprus’ largest tourist market with 31.8% of the total in March, spent on average €73.49 per day, while tourists from Poland, the second largest market with 10.4% of total tourists, spent on average €75.86.

Tourists from Germany, the third largest market with 9.8%, spent on average €98.66 per day, while tourists from Greece with 9% of the market, spent on average €43.37 per day.

Finally, tourists from Israel, the fifth place on the market with 8.2%, spent on average €143.21 per day.

Cyprus Introduces €200 Million Support Measures To Cut Energy And Food Costs

Comprehensive Relief Measures For A Resilient Economy

The government of Cyprus introduced support measures exceeding €200 million to reduce household expenses and support key sectors. The package targets energy costs, food prices, tourism and agriculture. Measures come in response to rising costs and supply pressures. Implementation begins in April and May 2026.

Energy And Fiscal Reforms

The government will reduce VAT on electricity for households to 5% from May 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The measure is expected to lower energy bills. Special consumption tax on transport fuels will decrease by 8.33 cents per liter between April and June 2026. Policy targets fuel-related costs.

Broadening The Zero VAT Initiative

Authorities will expand the list of products with zero VAT. Meat, poultry and fish will be included from April 1 to September 30, 2026. Existing zero-VAT categories already include fruits and vegetables. The government also decided not to introduce a green tax on fuels, avoiding an additional cost of about 9 cents per liter.

Sector-Specific Supports

The package includes a 30% wage subsidy for hotel employees for April 2026. Measure supports tourism businesses during the early season. Support for airlines aims to maintain connectivity with key destinations. The agriculture sector will receive subsidies covering 15% of costs for fertilizers and supplies in April and May.

Economic Stability, National Security

President Nikos Christodoulidis said economic stability remains a priority for the government. He noted that growth, fiscal balance and inflation trends support current policy decisions. Statement links economic policy with broader national priorities. The government continues to monitor external risks.

Ensuring Consumer Protection

Furthermore, the government has mandated rigorous market oversight and intensified inspections to prevent exploitative pricing during this period of economic intervention. This proactive stance ensures that the benefits of the measures directly serve the citizens without unintended inflationary impacts.

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